Wallpapers are not the only new feature released for Android Auto users this week. Google is also activating some useful features to simplify activities while driving. Users can now add custom shortcuts to the launcher to quickly call up pre-selected contacts or activate Google Assistant commands. Along with that, Google Assistant routines are available again after more than two years, since they mysteriously stopped working through Auto.
If you were an Auto user in mid-2018, you may have had the opportunity to use Google Assistant routines while driving. The feature worked for a while, but was quietly disabled in October of that year. Just over a year later, Google acknowledged this, but gave no confirmation that a fix was planned. However, it seems that things started to work again.
Shortcuts solve one of Android Auto’s biggest problems: giving voice commands when you can’t give or trust them. Whether it’s calling your friends with names like Isla and Saoirse, navigating to a complicated address, or simply giving basic commands while you have a passenger sleeping, sometimes you can’t rely on talking to Google Assistant to do a few things. You can now work around the problem by creating shortcuts.
Adding a custom shortcut is as simple as opening Android Auto settings (most people will probably want to open the Settings app and search for “Auto”), touch Customize launcher and Add a shortcut. The options are limited to calling pre-selected contacts or activating Google Assistant commands, but the latter offers a lot of flexibility. You can now automate common tasks and simplify your driving activities.
Setting up a shortcut to call someone is as simple as choosing an entry from your contact list, but an Assistant action gives you the option to enter commands freely. While you have the option of entering simple phrases to do something, you can also take advantage of the recently reactivated multi-step routines that you have customized on your phone to do a little more.
This should allow for a little bit of automation if you take the time to prepare actions in advance. Common options may involve telling the Nest thermostat to start heating your home, navigating to an address, sending messages and more.
All of these features seem to have been implemented for everyone in the last day or so. If you’re still not seeing them, restart your phone or update the Android Auto app.
